By Eva Trieger
SAN DIEGO- There is a widely held belief that when one sex lives together exclusively, it is a breeding ground and invitation for homosexuality. This has been observed in same sex boarding schools, yeshivot, prisons and other facilities where cohabitation is limited to a single gender.
Cygnet theater’s latest play, “R & J” explored this edgy topic. However, I’m not sure how edgy it was. The four actors clearly demonstrated the regimentation and limits of their educational realm. They recited, by rote, various ideas and themes that they’d been taught. Clearly, creative thought or expression was not encouraged in their didactic and stamped out responses. The school boys, nearly indistinguishable from each other, wore their crested jackets, ties, white shirts and dark pants. They marched in unison and in time and were imminently prepared for class.
It would seem they were not as prepared for life. Upon discovering and sequestering a copy of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” the boys prepare an enactment. This proceeds according to plan, with the exception of the realization that all actors are male, and some scenes involve a budding romance.
The remainder of the play did not delve with any great degree into the story beyond Shakespeare’s play. The relationship between the boys never really amounted to anything more than curiosity or speculation. Are they homosexual? It was vague and ambiguous to this reviewer. Were they titillated by the possibility of an intimate relationship with another human? Probably. Again, we aren’t really shown this. One boy seemed ostracized by his peers when he exposed more emotion, but it was not any admission of his deeper feelings.
While each actor surely memorized several difficult lines, the play did not succeed in conveying any palpable or tangible story. No particular Student stood out as more sympathetic or realistic than another and I left the theater wondering about Sean Murray’s message. While I applaud a director who makes me think, I left the Cygnet, not knowing what to think. I am quite certain there was a message beyond “Romeo and Juliet” but I’m not sure what it was.
“R & J” is playing at the Cygnet Theater in Old Town until June 16th. Tickets are available at the box office (619-337-1525) or by visiting cygnet@cygnettheater.com
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Trieger is a freelance writer who specializes in the arts. She may be contacted at eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com